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Monthly Archives: January 2014

Derek Fevrier has created an album with 24 tracks of high quality lovers rock reggae.

Derek was born in the UK and is of Dominican descent, he has travelled extensively in the Caribbean and worked in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Derek’s production name is Demondo and he has worked with talented reggae artists since the seventies. He plays violin and bass guitar amongst other instruments and has also worked as a session musician.

An accomplished sound engineer and talented producer, Derek has worked with top French hip-hop, R&B and reggae artists and he also takes time to mentor young sound engineers. He also works with Lymelyte Concert and PA Media supplying sound solutions for events in and around the London area.

My favourite tracks on the album are ‘See The Dream’, an inspirational track featuring Frederica Tibbs, and ‘One Hello’ and ‘Cupid Sent an Arrow’ two sweet lovers rock vibes featuring the vocal talents of Amaziah.

The sound production quality is excellent on each track, the reggae rhythm guitar strong and punchy and the vocals pitch perfect. This is an album that can be the soundtrack to your day, it is easy to listen to, the songs are catchy – you will find yourself humming them to yourself, and it brings a refreshing dimension to reggae music. Clean up to date production but not losing the familiar reggae vibe that we all know and love.

Life Ain’t A Dream is a masterpiece of poetic performance art and is the first partnership between Circle of Funk and Mr V.

Mr V, (aka Victor Font) hails from Manhattan, New York and has an impressive résumé in the dance music arena. Drawing on his influences from the house, hip-hop, latin, garage and disco scene of the 80’s, he has been active as an inspiring DJ, producer and rapper since the age of 14 and has worked with influential underground genius Louie Vega on the Masters at Work label. In 2004 Mr V. launched the SOLE channel music label.

Bristol born quartet Circle of Funk have released a variety of quality dance tracks and remixes since 2010 and are much in demand for their refreshing approach to production, always endeavouring to explore the boundaries of genre and sound, and never being afraid to break away from the pack.

This union results in a dynamic and talented international partnership and the resulting production is a truly unique piece of work.

The original mix has Circle of Funk’s signature pulsating bass line coupled with Mr V’s lyrical dialogue delivered in such a way that it is a fusion of poetry and rap, conveying an important message that complements the musical backdrop perfectly.

The message is both motivational and inspirational, with the track enticing the listener in like a work of art that contains hidden layers and depths of meaning. On the first hearing the audience may think that the words are simply about being motivated to live your life before time passes you by, but it subsequently becomes evident that the words are also of spiritual significance, inviting the listener to ponder the meaning of their existence on earth. Then just as one imagines that the essence is clear a further message emerges about racial equality. The track title is an indication of how we need to persevere in our journey to achieve true racial harmony, while the lines about rising above hate to achieve success is a tribute to the ethos of the late Nelson Mandela.

The drop down dub mix showcases one of Circle of Funk’s unique blends of percussion and keys which adds another dimension to this composition. It has a more atmospheric feel than the main mix, but also contains elements of jazz and garage set to a four on the floor house beat. This version is sure to make the dance floor come to life with its pulsating heartbeat rhythm.

What Circle of Funk and Mr V have achieved here is a perfect example of how music has an incredible ability to teach, inspire, break down barriers, and encourage harmony and love in a way that will reach out to many music-lovers worldwide.

“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.” Nelson Mandela

Ciyo (pronounced K-eye-oh) Brown is a high academic achiever in the field of Law, a talented musician, vocalist, and accomplished guitarist. He is Jamaican born and has lived in the UK since he was 6 months old. Ciyo has made many live performances including theatre, and has recorded 6 albums including the latest release ‘Put a Little Jazz In their lives’.

The album features a collection of jazz reggae and soul fusion tracks, which is quite a refreshing approach and a relatively unusual mix of genres.

The opening track “Don’t worry yourself” is a sweet lover’s rock song that will start your musical journey through this album with a bounce.

“‘I’m in the Mood for love” is a cover version of the 1935 Frances Langford romantic classic which slows the tempo down, and this track has reached the coveted number one position in the UK reggae charts.

“My likkle Jamaica” and “Cruisin on the Sea” are bright lilting reggae vibes that will have you swaying and dancing. “Cruisin on the Sea” is a real fusion of jazz & reggae where Ciyo has provided a reggae feel with all the elements of improvisation that one would find in a jazz or jazz fusion track.

“Love has found it’s Way” is a soulful rendition of Dennis Brown’s original reggae track and “Message to the Father” is a thought-provoking gospel jazz-soul tune. “Living Inside Your Love” has a more contemporary jazz-soul vibe happening.

“Put A Little Jazz In Their Lives” the title track is Ciyo’s jazzy reggae message to the world about bringing music and love to the masses.

There are also a few instrumental/minimal vocal tracks, all having a very warm quality – “Flight of the Icons” is smooth jazz, “A Blessing Waiting to Happen” combines a distinctive blend of ska and hip-hop with jazz floating on top and minimal lyrics, and “The Virtue of Patience” is a stand-out jazz instrumental with hints of reggae in the background. “Song for Ernest, Earl and George” is a short instrumental guitar solo in tribute to Ernest Ranglin, Earl Klugh and George Benson.

Ciyo has achieved a great deal with this release, he has created something which is quite unique but will also have widespread appeal. It is very easy listening, and I love that there are artists who are prepared to push the genre boundaries and create something that stands out from the crowd. The vocals are polished and Ciyo’s guitar skills are evident in every track. My personal favourite tracks on this album are ‘My likkle Jamaica’, ‘The Virtue of Patience’ and ‘I’m in the Mood for Love’.